“Take care of yourself, be healthy, and always believe you can be successful in anything you truly want.”
— Alessandra Ambrosio, a Brazilian model and actress known for her work with Victoria’s Secret.
Hair, nails, makeup, lights, camera, action, pose and another pose, cigarettes and another pose, champagne, and another pose, intense diet, and another pose, drink water only and other pose, avoid carbohydrates and another pose, wine and occasionally dine with the rich and obscenely famous, pose , pose and more poses…
When it comes to the world of modelling, your body tends to belong to either the agency you are signed to or the industry as a whole. You are expected to look a certain way physically, walk a certain way, eat a certain way and so much more, all in the unrealistic effort to look and become someone that you are not; because fashion demands you pay it a heavy toll, physically, mentally, emotionally and, in a lot of cases, spiritually and psychologically, too. Now, this is not to say that many in the industry are not actually enjoying themselves while doing what they love, and what feeds them; the issue, however, is: are we really ready for the truth/reality of what goes on behind the veiled diamond studded latex infused curtains in regards to modelling? Thanks to social media today and it’s much needed body positivity campaigns, there is now a slow removal of body negativity and unrealistic weight/body goals formerly placed on models (remember that many still have unrealistic or specific goals set for their runway and, honestly, who are we to judge – when it’s a business of selling idealised perception – if that is what they want for their businesses?
From the likes of Fenty Savage by Rihanna to Lemmilian, NikkiKhiran Couture, Summersault, Thinx, Parade and so much more, they are proving that anybody can feel sexy, be sexy and pave the way for other body times within the fashion industry. Let’s not forget the body positivity models, too, who I wrote about in the past, giving plus size as well as normal sized women the spotlight, i.e JJanga, Ashley Graham, Candice Huffine, Tess Holliday, Paloma Elsesser and many more now dominating the inclusive fashion industry. As much as we can praise the new development of body positivity as well as inclusion, we must still remember that we unfortunately still live in a world that prizes the glitzy world of fashion and modelling, where stick-thin and stunning models exhibit at runway shows, shown decadently on glossy magazine covers and dominate the spotlight. Unknown to many, there exists a rarely spoken-about darker side that often goes unseen by the rest of the world. Behind the glamorous veils thrust in our faces, models often endure gruelling and horrific tasks while facing immense pressure to conform to “industry” standards that take a toll on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
If you are new to reading any article I have written, welcome to that article section that gives you alternative insights and perspectives into daily societal cases and issues, while teaching you how to either appreciate scenarios or possibly prevent them. To the old, having you here is definitely always a plus. So, let us dive right into the mad-hatting wonders of the business of the body for fashion – “The Glamorous And Gruelling: Behind The Scenes Of Modelling.”
This will definitely be served hot or cold, let your mind decide! Remember deep breaths and let’s jump, shall we?
Danger lurks
Many often start articles highlighting all the rainbows and sprinkles, but we will be starting with the boogie and the danger when it comes to modelling. For many, this can seem like the supposed easiest job without much consequences, but like everything in this world, we must always look beneath the surface to see what lurks, so that we are well prepared to protect ourselves from it. Yes, some may not always be saved, but there are still others who can, and must, be saved through proper education/awareness before it is too late.
Here are four gruelling aspects of being a model. Be reminded that there may be more, and opinions and perspectives may vary based on experience or understanding, so these four are to serve as a general guide.
1. Stick to a stick-body image
If you are someone who enjoys an occasional burger or ten, this may not be the job for you. ‘Why’, you ask, ‘it’s just posing, after all’. No, it’s not. As part of the gruelling and negative tasks forced on models, one of it is the unending relentless pressure to maintain a specific body image dictated by the fashion industry. You are expected to be able to fit in a needle hole while looking “healthy” and glamorous when all your body can think about is how starved it is, or may be. The constant probe of their weight, measurements, and overall appearance can lead to unhealthy and often near-death or death-defined behaviours such as extreme dieting, over-exercising, and even eating disorders. Anorexia has led to serious health issues in the industry.
2. Rest is for the dead
Contrary to popular belief, the life of a model is not all parties, yachts and lying on the beach (for those who can afford it; not all models are moneyed like Naomi Campbell). Models have to endure long hours of standing, posing, and walking in barely breathable material, and painfully uncomfortable shoes while doing some over-the-top poses under skin-breaking, harsh lighting conditions (if you are unlucky that the photographer is eccentric or abusive, then its tonnes of emotional abuse heaped on you as you smile and pray it comes to an end soon…hours feel like eternity). The physically demanding nature of their work can result in fatigue, muscle strains, and other major or minor health issues (eating disorders and back issues are often top of the list).
3. Next and Really
No one enjoys being overly criticised, degraded, mocked and rejected as well. This even for normal people can be mind-numbing and induce a pile of self-doubt. Models face on a daily basis a constant barrage of rejection and criticism from family and friends who think they are wasting their life and time, or those who see it as a sin of sorts, added to the whole family and friends dynamic. The model will still get negativity from casting agents, designers and clients. The pressure to constantly be “on your A-game” and meet the ever-changing unrealistic demands of the fashion industry eventually takes a toll on their self-esteem and mental health.
4. Body for Sale
Yes, many may not want to talk about it due to shame, desperation and fear of being ostracised, but a lot of models unwillingly become prostitutes or escorts for the rich and famous. Some may not even be lucky to be around rich and famous people, but to some really bad agencies…money is money. The model’s body becomes the object of fantasies and fetishes, many are unfortunate to think ‘oh, it is just this one time and no one will ever know’, while, in reality, information spreads even among the dead. Those who feast and take advantage of others weaknesses or situations usually hang around others who do the same. Some models even get blackmailed by those they trust (boyfriend, girlfriend, manager, agency, sponsor) to keep up being sold in exchange for their silence. It’s unfair that after beating your body to a pulp to gain the sought-after right attention, someone else turns you into Halloween’s worst version of tricking and treating.
It would be unfair to deny that there are success stories within the fashion industry, who achieve fame, fortune, and recognition as desired or sprung (not everyone has the mindset to get into modelling), we must understand that it can also come at a price (some are lucky never to experience this). Models who often bend to the will of the industry risk compromising their authenticity, individuality, and self-worth in the hot pursuit of unrealistic beauty standards and fleeting trends. As much as grit is admired through the art and act of pursuit, the pressure can lead to extreme burnout, insecurity, and a loss of identity in which, unfortunately for some, can lead to suicide or addiction.
Agencies… What’s new?
“It’s a new challenge to see how people can change your look. I like words like transformation, reinvention, and chameleon. Because one word I don’t like is predictable.”
— Naomi Campbell, who has dominated runways for two decades in addition to enjoying starring roles on the small and big screens and producing a fashion reality show.
Modelling agencies must be given their flowers even with all the darkness that they often lurk. The grit and relentless pressure to source and scout for the next trending face is an ever-revolving door of gambling. Nowadays, agencies are starting to be more focused on other traits rather than just the body and the face (they matter, too, but sometimes more is better and will determine if the gamble is worth it or not). The traits include:
1. Versatility: Versatility allows models to appeal to a wider range of clients and increase their marketability in the industry.
2. Professionalism: Reliability, punctuality, and a positive attitude are key traits that agencies value in models.
3. Strong Work Ethic: Models who are dedicated, hardworking, and willing to put in the extra effort to excel in their craft are highly sought after by agencies.
Benefits of Being a Model
“There’s this whole idea of perfection. What younger girls don’t realise is that these girls do have problems. It’s good for people to realise everyone is human.”
— Georgia May Jagger, daughter of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall, known for her work with Chanel, H&M, and Versace.
Finally, a little sugar and spice to remind you that even in the darkness, there will always be light. Being a model can be a thrilling and rewarding experience (ballers, shot callers, fancy parties, trips, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and more.) Basking in the benefits are a positive way of helping models stay grounded amid temptation. Here are five benefits of being a model along with some cautionary advice.
1. Creative expression
2. Travel opportunities
3. Networking
4. Self-confidence
5. Financial rewards
Every magazine cover you see of Halle Berry, Sarah Jessica Parker and Julia Roberts is completely airbrushed. It’s all completely digitally enhanced.
“We have been giving young girls and boys a sense of falseness.”
— Janice Dickinson, who has described herself as the world’s first supermodel and began her career at age 14.
Modelling can often be a lucrative career if done or managed correctly, from learning to express yourself to bodying the confidence of a Grecian god to learning to balance people and places with a pedigree of discernment and so much more, while the potential to earn a significant income through campaigns, endorsements, and other opportunities arise.
While models can lean towards the good, the glamorous and the given, the pitfalls that come can be just as crushing as the actual dangers themselves. Pitfalls can be but are not limited to:
1. Unrealistic expectations
2. Mental health issues
3. Agency scams
4. Body image issues
5. Exploitation
As a model or aspiring one, it is important you actively seek some sort of support from friends, family, or a therapist if you’re struggling to cope with any of the pitfalls, including the dangers that may or may not come your way. By being aware of both the benefits and challenges of the modelling world, aspiring models can approach their careers with eyes wide open and take steps to protect themselves and their well-being.
Conclusion
“When it comes to taking a picture, you have to connect it to that frame. You have to connect to the photographer, with the stylist, and the hair and makeup you’re doing, but also to the reader and whoever views the image. And you have to maintain that connection you have to be within that moment.”
— Sean O’Pry, who was ranked as the world’s most successful male model by Forbes in 2009.
In conclusion, while the world of modelling may be sparkling and shining with its unending promises of allure and glamour, it’s important to recognise the hidden, gruelling tasks and dangers that models face behind the scenes. While we applaud their gumption and resilience in tap dancing to the industry’s beat, we must shed light on the negative realities, unrealistic expectations, and potential pitfalls of the industry, not just for our present but the future as well. We must learn to foster a more compassionate and supportive environment for models to thrive and truly shine on their own terms while shining beautifully like the diamonds that they are. So till next time, bye.
